Support divided for LNG project: 37% for, 26% against

32% of under 35s neither support nor oppose and 22% are unsure, which are both significantly higher than total sample.

Highest support for an LNG facility comes from voters for coalition government parties. 75% of ACT’s 2023 general election voters support the development.

Highest opposition comes from Green Party and Labour Party voters.

Just over half oppose funding an LNG facility through a levy on electricity users

52% (1,998,000 adults) oppose funding an LNG facility through a levy on electricity users.

• 34% (1,310,000 adults) strongly oppose funding through a levy.

17% (653,000 adults) support funding an LNG facility through a levy on electricity users

• 6% (228,000 adults) strongly support a levy.

Highest support for funding an LNG facility through a levy on electricity users comes from ACT and National voters. However, opposition from ACT and National voters is higher than support.

Who should pay?

People think households should not be charged a levy and it should be funded by large users and the Government.

35% (1,368,000 adults) believe a levy is unfair to households.

29% (1,133,000 adults) think large users should pay most of the cost.

28% (1,082,000 adults) say the Government should fund it instead.

Highest support for funding an LNG facility through a levy on electricity users comes from ACT and National voters. However, opposition from ACT and National voters is higher than support.

Newsroom has reported the results in a story on the LNG project.

Research method

An online survey of adults living in New Zealand aged 18 and older, undertaken by Horizon as part of its public interest research programme. This aims to make New Zealanders heard.

Sample sources

Members of two nationwide Horizon Research panels and a third-party panel (used for source diversity).

Fieldwork dates

20 to 27 February 2026

Sample size

1,048 adults.

Weighting

The total sample is weighted on age, ethnicity, gender, region, personal income and Party vote 2023 to match the New Zealand adult population.

Maximum predicted margin of error

±3% at the 95% confidence level.

Population estimates in the report

These are based on the Stats NZ Census 2023 population of 3,865,235 people aged 18 or more. All population numbers are to the nearest thousand.

Information on project provided to respondents

Before answering questions about LNG, respondents were shown the following information:

The New Zealand government plans to build its first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import facility in Taranaki by 2027–2028.

The Government says that this will secure energy supply, stabilise electricity prices and support economic growth. The infrastructure costs would be paid for through a levy on electricity.

Supporters also say that the LNG terminal complements New Zealand’s renewable energy boom, providing a reliable backup without replacing renewable generation. It supports long-term planning for gas-dependent industries, reducing the risk of supply disruptions and extreme price volatility. The facility is expected to create construction jobs and long-term skilled roles.

Some have raised concerns about public funding, long-term costs, and potential lock-in to higher gas prices. Also, that LNG may not be the most cost-effective solution for dry-year risk and urged alternatives. Some argue the levy is a “gas tax” and could result in electricity price rises for households.

Environmental concerns include greenhouse gas emissions across the LNG supply chain.

Further information:

Further results details are available from Horizon Research. Please email manager@horizonresearch.co.nz